It’s no secret that New York is the best place to visit during Christmas time. Between the lights, trees, chilly weather, and shopping NYC makes it really feel like Christmas.

Here are some of my must see’s in New York during the Holiday’s.

Rockefeller Center

I’ll start with the most obvious…The Tree! The ice skating rink and the Anthropology and Free People right across the street. Win-Win-Win-Win in my book.

The High Line 

One of the newest additions to the West side of Manhattan, The High Line is a trail formerly used as a railroad line that is now filled with plants and modern art work. Great way to go from the Meat Packing District up to 34th Street without all the hustle and bustle of the sidewalks and cars.

Macy’s 

After you walk The High Line and end up on 34th street it is the perfect time to head to Macy’s. Go all the way to the top floors to see the wooden escalators!

The Empire State Building 

I’ve seen the view from the top at night and during the day. Both are 100% worth it! It is so easy to feel lost when you are on street level but seeing the city from the above makes you realize just how big the city is! Great way to figure out where all of the major land marks are.

Central Park 

New York’s “Backyard”. So peaceful and quiet compared to the craziness that surrounds it. I love seeing the Upper East Side and Upper West side apartment buildings that border the park. Fancy fancy fancy. The ice skating rink where Home Alone 2 and Serendipity  were filmed is also in Central Park!

The Plaza Hotel 

Head Downstairs to the Shops at the Plaza. There are tons of food options but I would stick with the cheesecake. Nothing beats NY Cheesecake at the Plaza hotel. **The people watching here is also pretty great. Lot’s of “trust fund” types in fur coats. Not what this Texas girl is accustomed to.**

5th Avenue 

The window displays are enough to stroll down 5th avenue. Any and every high end store you could think of has retail space along this street. Tiffany and Company, Saks 5th Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman have the best window displays around this time of year. I skipped the lines to go into the high end stores and spent my money at H&M, Top Shop and Zara.

Carmine’s 

Right off of Broadway and 42nd, Carmine’s is the perfect place to escape from the cold and eat the best Italian food in New York. The serving sizes are huge so 4 people can share one plate. Get a few and take the left-overs home!

9/11 Memorial and Museum

Make your way downtown early to see Ground Zero. Give yourself plenty of time. The museum is so well put together and really leaves you thinking back to that day and how horrible it was.

Joe Shanghai’s in Chinatown 

Two different locals mentioned this place. Can’t go wrong with a locals recommendation!